2025 medium-duty truck buyer’s guide

The medium-duty truck segment isn’t a massive headline grabber in Australia, with 8132 units sold in Australia in 2024, trailing the light-duty segment (14,558 units) and heavy end of town (17,152 units). But while there’s not massive volume, the segment remains the essential link in our supply chain, bridging the gap between light-duty city trucks and heavy-duty highway runners.

Think of the medium-duty segment as the unsung hero of metropolitan and regional distribution: the fridge trucks that stock supermarket shelves, the tilt-trays that get new cars to dealerships, and the compact tippers keeping construction projects ticking along.

The medium-duty segment is where the Japanese brands dominate, led by Isuzu with its F Series, followed by Hino with its 500 Series, and the Fuso with its Fighter, while European hardware presents a premium alternative.

Like their light- and heavy-duty siblings, the new ADR 80/04 regulations mean all medium-duty trucks sold in Australia after November 1, 2025 must be Euro 6 compliant. All but one brand has rolled out Euro 6 models.

For the purpose of this guide, we’ve focused on the core medium-duty models from each manufacturer, generally spanning the 10-tonne-plus GVM range, and have excluded the larger, dedicated heavy-duty models and smaller light-duty models which were covered in our previous guides.

Here are the top medium-duty trucks available in Australia in 2025, covering an array of options suited to everything from refrigerated freight to heavier vocational work.

As Australia's perennial market leader, Isuzu’s F Series is the benchmark for the medium-duty segment, and it’s just received a ground-up redesign for 2025.

The F Series has undergone its most significant update since 2008, now featuring Euro 6 engines as well as major leaps in safety, technology and in-cab comfort.

Isuzu’s medium-duty range is designed to cover all bases, with Cab-Chassis, Crew, Tipper, Dual-Control and Freightpack model options. Isuzu even offers off-road 4x4 models for industries like mining and emergency services. In total, the 12 base models can be configured in 46 different specifications, offering endless customisation.

All F Series engines are now Euro 6 compliant, with power coming from Isuzu’s proven four-cylinder 4HK1, or the new 6.7-litre six-cylinder DB6A which was co-developed with Cummins.

The new models score an impressive array of standard technology, with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen and a full suite of active safety features that include lane departure warning, attention assist, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise, intelligent speed limiter and a handy distance warning.

Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: 5.2-litre 4HK1 (up to 177kW/765Nm); 6.7-litre DB6A (up to 221kW/980Nm)
• Transmission: Six-speed AMT, six-speed manual, Allison six-speed automatic
• GVM: 11,000-26,000kg

Hino’s 500 Series is a formidable option in the medium-duty space, renowned for its build quality and, in recent years, its class-leading standard safety technology. However, at the time of writing the manufacturer has put the sale of its 500 Series models on hold due to supply challenges.

However, the updated Euro 6 compliant 500 Series range was shown at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show for the first time, with senior Hino Australia executives confirming it will arrive in Australia by mid-2026.

Little more was revealed about the updated model, but this guide will be updated when more information is released.

Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: TBA
• Transmission: TBA
• GVM: TBA

Fuso’s Fighter range leverages the global power of the Daimler Truck group, offering a versatile and safe Euro 6 medium-duty platform that is well and truly up to the task.

The Fighter lineup covers a wide GVM spread, made up of FK, FM and FN models with 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 configurations available, suited to everything from inner-city freight to rugged construction work.

Power across the range comes from a 7.5-litre six-cylinder engine, backed by either an Allison automatic or a Fuso six-speed manual transmission, offering stout torque and proven Japanese reliability.

Safety is where Daimler shines, and the Fighter comes with features like auto emergency, lane departure warning, side guard assist, electronic stability program and more.

This focus on safety is combined with a comfortable, technology-rich cabin that features a digital dash display, central infotainment display, and multifunction steering wheel, making the Fighter one of the best-rounded options in the medium-duty segment.

Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: 7.5-litre 6M60 (up to 199kW/785Nm)
• Transmission: Allison six-speed automatic, Fuso six-speed manual, Eaton nine-speed manual
• GVM: 11,000-24,000kg

The Iveco Eurocargo is the Italian brand’s dedicated medium-duty offering, bringing a distinctly European mix of performance and versatility to the Australian market – not to mention sharp looks

Iveco’s Eurocargo is the best-selling medium truck in Europe, revered for its efficient powertrain, city-friendly manoeuvrability and overall versatility, but it’s gaining in popularity Down Under too.

Here, the Eurocargo suits metro and regional distribution, refrigerated transport, emergency services and specialised vocational duties. The range includes 4x2 models with GVMs from 12,000-18,000kg, as well as a highly capable 15,000kg GVM 4x4 model for off-road applications.

Power comes from Iveco’s 6.7-litre Tector 7 Euro 6 engine, offering impressive power and torque for this class, with a choice of manual, automatic or AMT transmissions from ZF and Allison Automatic.

The Eurocargo is also highly regarded for its driver comfort, with an ergonomic cabin that puts critical controls within arm’s reach, and a suite of passive and active safety features to keep operators and road users safe.

Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: 6.7-litre Tector 7 (up to 238kW/1100Nm)
• Transmission: ZF 12-speed AMT, Allison five-speed automatic, ZF nine-speed manual
• GVM: 12,000-18,000kg (4x2); 15,000kg (4x4)

The Mercedes-Benz Atego represents the premium end of the medium-duty offerings, delivering a professional, safe and comfortable workplace for drivers.

Sitting below the heavy-duty Actros, the rigid Atego is designed to handle the demands of metro and regional distribution, offered with GVMs from 12,000-16,000kg and a range of cabin options.

The Atego is powered by a Mercedes-Benz 7.7-litre six-cylinder Euro 6 engine, paired with the brand’s intuitive PowerShift automated manual transmission to deliver impressive fuel economy and drivability.

As expected from a Mercedes-Benz truck, given the brand was one of the first to offer car-like active safety technology, safety is a key focus. The Atego comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety systems, including active brake assist, lane keeping assist and attention assist, making it among the safest in this class.

The Atego is a strong choice for operators wanting a balanced mix of comfort, technology and safety in a premium European package.

Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: 7.7-litre OM936 (up to 220kW/1,200Nm)
• Transmission: PowerShift six-, eight- or nine-speed AMT
• GVM: 12,000-16,000kg

Volvo offers a premium European solution for the medium-duty market with its proven advanced FL and FE models, and diesel isn’t the only choice of propulsion.

The FL is the more compact 4x2, ideal for inner-city distribution with GVMs from 10,000kg, while the larger FE covers heavier 4x2 and 6x2 applications up to 26,000kg GVM, making it suitable for waste and regional freight.

These models are powered by either Volvo’s D5 or D8 Euro 6 diesel engines, and are also available as the zero-emission FL Electric and FE Electric – the only medium-duty trucks in this buyer’s guide available in both internal combustion and electric powertrains.

Worth noting is the diesel-powered FL models are only available for specialised fleet and government customers, whereas the versatile FE is commonly available as a diesel model.

Driver comfort and safety are hallmarks of the Volvo brand, with both models featuring a comprehensive array of safety technology and richly appointed cabins that offer a low driving position and excellent visibility.

The FL and FE are efficient, safe and comfortable options for operators looking for a premium medium-duty truck with the added choice of zero-emission credentials.

Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: D5 (up to 177kW/900Nm); D8 (up to 258kW/1,400Nm); Electric (up to 225kW)
• Transmission: I-Shift 12-speed AMT, six-speed automatic, I-Shift six-speed AMT and ZF six-speed AMT
• GVM: 10,000-26,000kg

MAN's TGL and TGM ranges are premium contenders in the medium-duty segment, offering a high-tech, comfortable and efficient solution from the German manufacturer which invented the diesel engine as we know it today… but more on that another time.

The TGL is the lighter of the two MANs, with GVMs starting at 10,000kg, and is well-suited to the chaos of inner-city distribution duties where manoeuvrability is key.

MAN’s TGM steps up the capacity, with GVMs up to 26,000kg in 4x2, 6x2, and 4x4 configurations, making it a versatile platform for everything from refrigerated freight to demanding municipal and utility work.

Both models are powered by MAN's efficient 6.9-litre D08 Euro 6 engine and feature the smooth-shifting 12-speed TipMatic automated transmission.

MAN’s Guardian Angel safety suite is also offered, including emergency brake assist, electronic stability program and lane guard system, while inside the cabin an ergonomic driver-first layout offers impressive levels of comfort.

Related: Back a winner with MAN

Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: 6.9-litre D08 (up to 320kW/1,250Nm)
• Transmission: MAN TipMatic 12-speed AMT
• GVM: 13,000-26,000kg

The DAF LF is a premium European medium-duty offering from within the PACCAR stable, designed for the demands of inner-city distribution with a strong focus on driver comfort and vehicle efficiency.

The LF range offers GVMs from 12,000-18,000kg, making it an ideal choice for 4x2 metropolitan and regional rigid applications, as well as use in flatbed and towing configurations.

Power comes from the efficient 6.7-litre PACCAR PX-7 Euro 6 engine, which provides strong torque and proven reliability, with a choice of automatic, manual or AMT transmissions.

The interior of the LF is based around a user-friendly and comfortable layout, with features like a driver information panel and extra-large capacity HVAC system that rapidly cools the cabin.

DAF LF models also come standard with a full suite of advanced safety systems, including advanced emergency braking, forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control, making it a safe bet if you’re in the market for a medium-duty truck.

Quick specs:
• Engine outputs: 6.7L PACCAR PX-7 (up to 212kW/1,090Nm)
• Transmission: ZF AS Tronic six-speed AMT, ZF Ecolite six-speed manual, Allison five-speed automatic
• GVM: 12,000-23,500kg
• GCM: 18,000-32,000kg